Easy One-Pan Spanish-Style Tortilla

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I love making a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal cleanup, and that’s exactly what a One-pan Spanish-style tortilla offers.

This dish is not only tasty but also quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxing weekends.

With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy.

What I appreciate most about this tortilla is its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand, whether that’s potatoes, sweet potatoes, or even leftover vegetables.

This dish is great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and it can be served hot or cold.

If you’re looking for an easy way to impress your family or friends, a One-pan Spanish-style tortilla is the perfect solution. It’s simple, flavourful, and captures the essence of traditional Spanish cooking without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Jump to Recipe
A sizzling pan on a stovetop with diced potatoes, onions, and eggs, being cooked to create a Spanish-style tortilla

Ingredients and Preparation

In this section, I will detail the key components and optional ingredients to create a delicious one-pan Spanish-style tortilla. The focus will be on the essential elements needed for a traditional tortilla and how you can enhance its flavour and nutrition.

Essential Components for the Tortilla

To make a classic Spanish tortilla, the main ingredients are potatoes, eggs, and olive oil. I prefer using waxy potatoes, like Yukon Golds, because they hold their shape well during cooking.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the essential ingredients:

  • Potatoes: About 4 medium-sized, peeled and sliced thinly. This gives the dish structure and texture.
  • Eggs: Use 6 large eggs, preferably organic, for rich flavour and colour.
  • Olive Oil: Approximately ½ cup of high-quality olive oil for frying. It adds depth to the dish.

Cook the sliced potatoes in olive oil until tender. Then, gently mix in the beaten eggs to create a cohesive mixture that will form the base of the tortilla.

Additional Ingredients for Flavour and Nutrition

To elevate my tortilla, I often add extra flavour and nutrition using onions, garlic, and even chorizo. These ingredients make the dish more robust and satisfying.

Consider the following:

  • Onions: One large onion, finely chopped, provides sweetness and depth.
  • Garlic: I like to add 1-2 cloves, minced, for an aromatic touch.
  • Chorizo: Optional, but adding 100-150 grams of diced chorizo brings a delicious spice and protein.

I sometimes include leftover vegetables as well, like bell peppers or zucchini. This not only enhances the nutrient profile but also makes use of what I have on hand. Finally, I top my tortilla with flat-leaf parsley for freshness and added nutrition.

Using these ingredients helps create a balanced, nutritious meal while staying true to the traditional flavours.

Cooking and Serving Techniques

I find that cooking a Spanish-style tortilla is all about balancing ingredients and techniques to achieve the perfect texture and flavour. This section covers crucial steps for cooking as well as unique ways to serve this dish.

Cooking the Perfect Spanish-Style Tortilla

To create a delicious Spanish-style tortilla, I start with a simple egg mixture.

Typically, I use six to eight large eggs and whisk them until they are well combined. Then, I add in cooked potatoes and any other preferred vegetables.

In a frying pan, I heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, I pour in the egg mixture. I gently stir for a couple of minutes before letting it set around the edges.

To ensure even cooking, I occasionally lift the sides of the tortilla with a spatula. When the bottom is golden brown, I use a large plate to flip the tortilla over and cook the other side until it’s set, usually about five minutes.

Creative Serving Suggestions for Brunch and Beyond

For brunch, I like to serve my tortilla in wedges, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. This adds a pop of colour and enhances the dish’s flavour.

Another option is to pair it with a light salad made of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette. This adds a refreshing contrast.

I enjoy serving the tortilla warm or at room temperature, which makes it versatile for any occasion. Additionally, I can pack leftovers in wraps for quick snacks or lunches.

This recipe is not only delicious but also a healthy recipe that can fit into various meal plans, appealing to a wide range of tastes.

One-Pan Spanish-Style Tortilla


Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 3 medium potatoes (about 300g), peeled and thinly sliced
  • 6 large eggs
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions


1. Sauté Vegetables

  1. In a large oven-safe skillet (about 10-12 inches / 25-30 cm), heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the thinly sliced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
  3. Add the sliced potatoes to the skillet. Season everything with salt and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
  4. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the potatoes and vegetables cook over medium-low heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender.

2. Prepare the Eggs

  1. In a large bowl, crack the 6 eggs and beat them with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
  2. Pour the beaten eggs over the sautéed vegetables in the skillet, making sure the eggs cover the potatoes and veggies evenly. Let it cook on the stovetop for about 5 minutes, without stirring, allowing the edges to set.

3. Flip and Finish in the Oven

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, until the tortilla is fully set and golden brown on top.
  3. Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool slightly.

4. Serve

  1. Place a large plate over the skillet and quickly invert the tortilla onto the plate.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
  3. Slice into wedges and serve warm, at room temperature, or cold.

One-Pan Spanish-Style Tortilla

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 3 medium potatoes about 300g, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 6 large eggs
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large oven-safe skillet (10-12 inches), heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion, red and green bell peppers, and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened. Add the sliced potatoes, season with salt and black pepper, and stir to combine. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender.
  • In a large bowl, crack the 6 eggs and beat them with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Pour the beaten eggs over the sautéed vegetables, ensuring they cover the potatoes and veggies evenly. Cook on the stovetop for about 5 minutes, letting the edges set without stirring.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, until the tortilla is fully set and golden brown on top. Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool slightly.
  • Place a large plate over the skillet and carefully invert the tortilla onto the plate. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Slice into wedges and serve warm, at room temperature, or cold.

Tips for Success

  • Potato Texture: Use starchy potatoes (like Yukon Gold) for the best texture and flavor.
  • Add More Ingredients: Customize your tortilla with ingredients like ham, chorizo, spinach, or mushrooms for more variety.
  • Make Ahead: Spanish tortillas can be made ahead of time and enjoyed cold for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

A sizzling skillet with potatoes, onions, and eggs cooking together, surrounded by colorful ingredients like bell peppers and chorizo

In this section, I will address common questions about making a one-pan Spanish-style tortilla. From ingredients to cooking methods, I will provide clear and concise answers to help you in the kitchen.

What ingredients are needed for a vegetarian Spanish-style tortilla?

To create a vegetarian Spanish-style tortilla, I typically use potatoes, onions, eggs, and olive oil. I also season with salt and pepper to taste. Optional ingredients can include bell peppers or herbs for additional flavour.

How can you make an easy one-pan Spanish-style tortilla?

To make an easy one-pan Spanish-style tortilla, I start by slicing the potatoes and onions thinly.

I cook them in olive oil until tender before adding beaten eggs. I then cook everything together until firm and golden, occasionally flipping the tortilla to ensure even cooking.

What distinguishes a traditional Spanish tortilla recipe?

A traditional Spanish tortilla recipe focuses on simple ingredients: mainly potatoes and eggs. The cooking method is usually done slowly in olive oil to achieve a soft texture. Unlike an omelette, it is thicker and often served at room temperature.

Which type of pan is best suited for cooking a Spanish tortilla?

For cooking a Spanish tortilla, I recommend using a non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned cast iron pan. These types of pans help prevent sticking and make flipping the tortilla easier. A pan with a thicker base also aids in even cooking.

How does a Spanish tortilla differ from a frittata in preparation and ingredients?

A Spanish tortilla is primarily made with potatoes and cooked slowly. In contrast, a frittata often includes a variety of vegetables or meats and is cooked more quickly. The texture of a frittata is fluffier, while the Spanish tortilla is denser.

What is the term for a Spanish tortilla in Spain?

In Spain, a Spanish tortilla is called “tortilla de patatas.” This term directly refers to its main ingredient, potatoes, distinguishing it from other types of tortillas found in different cuisines.